Very sick 4 wk. old kitten - advice/vibes would be appreciated

Hi everyone -

I'm new to this site and generally new to cats - I've only fostered a couple cats before and don't own any, but just two days ago I was hit with an emergency situation.

Long story short(er): The local shelter recently took in a litter of kittens. All were in foster homes but the two smallest, a boy and a girl. My neighbor, a very active foster, took in both, but the boy kitten continued to vomit and have diarrhea frequently, so they went to the emergency vet and the he was diagnosed with intussusception of the intestine. Shortly afterward, the boy kitten tested positive for Panleukopenia (I'm sure all of you know that this news is as bad as it gets when it comes to fostering kittens). Since he was so tiny and small, plus with the virus, he couldn't have surgery and therefore had to be put down. 
We've been so busy with her that we haven't come up with a name for her yet, so any name ideas would also be appreciated.

She's pretty sick, vomiting and having yellow-white diarrhea - symptoms of the virus - every couple hours - we're just HOPING it's unrelated and just kitten complications.  She's generally very lethargic and not playful as a kitten should be, and sleeps for most of the day. She also has a nasty URI from being at the shelter, which is being treated with prescribed meds, but she still sneezes and has pus-like discharge from her nose. Like her previous foster mom, I'm feeding her mostly KMR with some Nature's Variety Instincts (it's for all life stages) canned food without the peas or carrots. She's eating bits at a time and drinks water pretty normally. She just has a really hard time keeping it down. And then there's the possible chance that she has a bit of the virus, but she's not showing symptoms (huge knock on wood..)

I'm especially worried because the diarrhea is whitish yellow. Could it be coccidia? I'm checking her in to the vet in about an hour to see. She's drinking water normally, but I have Pedialyte just in case. Should I dilute it in the water 50/50 now or should I wait?

I'm just so scared for this itty bitty. On a scale from 0 to 10, I'm feeling at around a 5-7 right now. Yesterday I was at around a 9. 

Any additional advice and support would be so greatly appreciated. Thank you so, so much. 

Also a note: The pic makes her look very chubby, but most of it is fur. She only weighs 12 oz and she's around 4 weeks old. My vet said she's only slightly underweight.. does that sound about right?

What a sweetheart! Thank you for taking her in and caring for her. I don't have any input or experience with young kittens, but I do hope she feels better soon. Sending vibes~

She is so cute.  I hate to say it but if I were betting money it would be on her having Panleukopenia.  I think a lot depends on how she tests for that.  Keeping her hydrated is about all you can do for now.  We did have an older kitten here survive this stuff, he was 8 months old, but chances of a kitten so small surviving are very slim.  

Thank you both. @Denice  Her previous foster mom said that the vets tested her for Panleuk shortly after her brother was put down - however, there is still a chance that she might have it because I picked her up the next afternoon, while her foster mom was scrubbing and bleaching every inch of the wire crate she kept the two kittens in - the kitten was in a separate room. 

I'll ask the vet about this possibility when I go for her check-up as well. Thanks again.

She is such a darling little munchkin, but I can just about guarantee she does have panleuk. Been there, seen it, more than once years back.........not something I care to think about, as it is devastating.

The vomiting is a crystal clear indicator.

Diarrhea and a uri symptoms are one thing, but a 4 week old kitten who vomits and had a sibling with panleuk, she's got it, and I apologize for the abruptness, I just don't want to give any words of hope here.

Kittens so young, there is just no chance of surviving this awful disease. Even as a prior comment mentioned the 8 month old surviving it, is NOT common, the majority die, and 4 months and under it is a given.

What I think you might need here is some real knowledge of this virus and just how hearty it really is.

The cage you said the former foster was using that she is scrubbing, this is not enough. It needs to be literally doused/submerged with trifectant solution. Then it needs to bake in the sun for a couple days, then repeated. Frankly I would put it in a large trash bag and sotre it for 3 years.

I can't tell you how many times I have been informed about someone who just can't get rid of the virus. It lives and waits, a solid 18 months at least.

I own a fabulous cage in my cat room. It was given to me by a local chapter of a large, well known rescue group,  and called the kitten killer. They refused to ever use it again. 

These are people who should know just what needs to be done to ensure the virus is 100% killed.

It is a 3 level, on wheels fab cage, at some time a donor purchased this cage for the group, costing $1,000.00. I was happy to take it! 

They said 3 times all kittens died of panleuk. First litter brought it from the shelter, it was thoroughly cleaned and sanitized twice. Thought it was ready for use, another litter died.

It was put outside in storage after cleaning and stored for a year before they brought it out again, cleaned it again, and you know the rest of this story.

If a cat pees on the grass outside, it soaks into the grass seed, returning at least 2 more seasons despite the weather.

Any fomites must be destroyed, bedding/beds, either they must be soaked in trifectant or thrown out. There is no laundry soap or bleach that is going to kill the virus. Then it will be in your washer, in your dryer, so everyone's clothes are a possible threat, I mean, it is that bad.

The only product that guarantees to kill this virus is trifectant.

Now I don't know if you have any cats? But if you do, and they are fully vaccinated and up to date, then no worries.

But always remember this, for a good 2 years, consider your home infected.

As you probably know, it is the "P" in the FVRCP vaccines, so be ever so careful not to allow any cats or kittens who are not fully protected into your home.

I am truly sorry, it's so awful to see their little faces, just give her all kinds of loves and hugs, but please don't let it get too bad. She already sounds like she is ready. Why make her last days be bad. 

Oh, one last note. The panleuk virus would be from the shelter exposure. The saddest part is, they have the virus there, yet workers and volunteers don't understand just how hearty this is, and half-assed clean, and over and over and over, kittens will come in contact and will continue the cycle.

Be absolutely sure that either you or the foster contact mgmt at the shelter to inform them that the virus is there so they will make certain it is handled apropriately.

catwoman707 said:

She is such a darling little munchkin, but I can just about guarantee she does have panleuk. Been there, seen it, more than once years back.........not something I care to think about, as it is devastating.
The vomiting is a crystal clear indicator.

Diarrhea and a uri symptoms are one thing, but a 4 week old kitten who vomits and had a sibling with panleuk, she's got it, and I apologize for the abruptness, I just don't want to give any words of hope here.

Kittens so young, there is just no chance of surviving this awful disease. Even as a prior comment mentioned the 8 month old surviving it, is NOT common, the majority die, and 4 months and under it is a given.

What I think you might need here is some real knowledge of this virus and just how hearty it really is.

The cage you said the former foster was using that she is scrubbing, this is not enough. It needs to be literally doused/submerged with trifectant solution. Then it needs to bake in the sun for a couple days, then repeated. Frankly I would put it in a large trash bag and sotre it for 3 years.

I can't tell you how many times I have been informed about someone who just can't get rid of the virus. It lives and waits, a solid 18 months at least.

I own a fabulous cage in my cat room. It was given to me by a local chapter of a large, well known rescue group,  and called the kitten killer. They refused to ever use it again. 
These are people who should know just what needs to be done to ensure the virus is 100% killed.

It is a 3 level, on wheels fab cage, at some time a donor purchased this cage for the group, costing $1,000.00. I was happy to take it! 
They said 3 times all kittens died of panleuk. First litter brought it from the shelter, it was thoroughly cleaned and sanitized twice. Thought it was ready for use, another litter died.

It was put outside in storage after cleaning and stored for a year before they brought it out again, cleaned it again, and you know the rest of this story.

If a cat pees on the grass outside, it soaks into the grass seed, returning at least 2 more seasons despite the weather.
Any fomites must be destroyed, bedding/beds, either they must be soaked in trifectant or thrown out. There is no laundry soap or bleach that is going to kill the virus. Then it will be in your washer, in your dryer, so everyone's clothes are a possible threat, I mean, it is that bad.

The only product that guarantees to kill this virus is trifectant.

Now I don't know if you have any cats? But if you do, and they are fully vaccinated and up to date, then no worries.
But always remember this, for a good 2 years, consider your home infected.

As you probably know, it is the "P" in the FVRCP vaccines, so be ever so careful not to allow any cats or kittens who are not fully protected into your home.

I am truly sorry, it's so awful to see their little faces, just give her all kinds of loves and hugs, but please don't let it get too bad. She already sounds like she is ready. Why make her last days be bad. 

Oh, one last note. The panleuk virus would be from the shelter exposure. The saddest part is, they have the virus there, yet workers and volunteers don't understand just how hearty this is, and half-assed clean, and over and over and over, kittens will come in contact and will continue the cycle.

Be absolutely sure that either you or the foster contact mgmt at the shelter to inform them that the virus is there so they will make certain it is handled apropriately.

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I don't mean to ask a stupid question, is the panleuk virus the same as distemper?

I now know the answer

Yes it is often called feline distemper.  That is really a misnomer because it isn't anything like canine distemper.  Feline distemper is closely related to canine parvo virus.

I thought that bleach was the only thing that killed it. I didn't know that trifectant would kill it. I do know it can live on an inanimate surface for over a year. It is bad. When I worked at the cat hospital we had a panluek cat there who wasn't "that bad" She was an adult. I didn't bother to wash my scrubs and shoes. I literally got undressed outside the house (I know I know) bagged my clothes poured beach in the bag and bagged and boxed and close lidded medical dumpster disposed of it all. I bleached my entire car. I kid you not I through away every thing I touched while at work. Tossed my calculator, pens, steth, everything. My cats I had locked up in a room, before I got home and I had my boyfriend spread out plastic bags for me to walk on when I did after my disrobing and all ran not walked on plastic to the shower where I remained for probably 2 hours. Then Of course bleached everything I could have touched. I bleached the handles and seats of the car. My poor cat was locked in one room and I didn't feed him (boy friend did) for a week.

Sounds extreme? It isn't. This is a horrible contagious deadly disease. It is so sad to see it still rear its ugly head from time to time since there are vaccines that prevent it. You know heat doesn't even kill it unless you keep it over a certain temp for a certain amount of time. This is a very hearty disease that needs to be taken very seriously.

I am so sorry you are going through this. If I was your neighbor I would not foster for quite a while and I would destroy and throw out the cage.

Denice said:

Yes it is often called feline distemper.  That is really a misnomer because it isn't anything like canine distemper.  Feline distemper is closely related to canine parvo virus.

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Thank You Denise!
This really was something I thought warranted some research. I didn't know that even washing your clothes wouldn't kill this virus and that it also contaminated the washing machine!!!
This is horrifying,!!!!!

Laurelyn,
I'm praying your baby isn't infected. That she was lucky not to contract this evil virus!!!!
She is cute as a button!!!!
Please Lord protect this baby!!!!

I don't have any experience with panleukopenia or dealing with young kittens, but in her thread 4 Newborn Bottle Babies  the user @SuperPooper  mentioned in the last sentence of the 1st post that she got an 8 day old panleuk kitten to survive. Maybe PMing her about this or possibly asking her to help you out on this thread would help? She seems to have a lot of experience with panleuk, but there might be two different situations here. 

Just hoping that the tests this time came out negative and that your little kitten is feeling better. What an adorable little baby. 

JodieThierry64 said:

Thank You Denise!
This really was something I thought warranted some research. I didn't know that even washing your clothes wouldn't kill this virus and that it also contaminated the washing machine!!!
This is horrifying,!!!!!

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Those of us who are responsible cat owners, aren't involved with rescue, and don't work for a vet probably will never see this.  I think that's a very good thing.

Denice said:

 
Those of us who are responsible cat owners, aren't involved with rescue, and don't work for a vet probably will never see this.  I think that's a very good thing.

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I couldn't agree with you more!

AlainasMom said:

 
I don't have any experience with panleukopenia or dealing with young kittens, but in her thread 4 Newborn Bottle Babies  the user @SuperPooper  mentioned in the last sentence of the 1st post that she got an 8 day old panleuk kitten to survive. Maybe PMing her about this or possibly asking her to help you out on this thread would help? She seems to have a lot of experience with panleuk, but there might be two different situations here. 

Just hoping that the tests this time came out negative and that your little kitten is feeling better. What an adorable little baby. 

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I haven't looked at the thread, but already know it is literally not possible. An 8 day old kitten survive panleuk? Honestly, there is just no chance, none.

Perhaps it was misdiagnosed, or some other reason, but as fragile as baby's are, no way. It is a vicious, merciless illness.

@Laurelyn  with the brother and sister being together, and you also said the litter went to the shelter first then were split up? Great chance they all got it, just not long enough to show itself, as it varies from kitten to kitten how long until it comes.

Your kitten's vomiting is the indicator. Odd colored diarrhea, funny smell, vomit is often yellowish/green watery bile, but usually not until towards the end. It happens fast once it hits.

You're very welcome, I hope I shed some light on this. Very, very unfortunate.

Once someone like myself being a rescuer deals with this, you NEVER forget, and the biggest thing it teaches is, always, always quarrantine. Those little dollcakes look healthy, but there's just no way to know what was contracted from a shelter especially.

@Quiet  , definitely appropriate the way you handled your clothes, etc. 

Trifectant is guaranteed to kill literally everything but anthrax.......that's pretty serious stuff!

It does frighten me to adopt from a shelter. All my babies are rescue! I would adopt from a foster but this just scared me away from shelters!

A lot depends on the shelter.  The good shelters do everything they can to lessen the risks but that risk is there.  A really good way to lessen the risk of adopting a kitty that is sick with this is to adopt an adult cat.  

JodieThierry64 said:

It does frighten me to adopt from a shelter. All my babies are rescue! I would adopt from a foster but this just scared me away from shelters!

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Very understandably so!

However, it is not the shelter itself, but the spot where cats are held upon intake that the viruses may be.

Speaking for my local high kill shelter, during kitten season for instance, once they are full, and of course they are very early on during season, all intakes go straight to what is called the 'feral barn', as it is used for all intakes who will be awaiting their death. They euthanize all ferals who get picked up (this is so very sad to me  ) but is also used for overflow of cats and kittens, mommas and their babies, very prego moms, as well as ferals.

They will ALL be killed.

So sadly, staff doesn't worry about sanitizing as they do the rest of the shelter since they are about to die anyway.

Which affects me and any other rescue who pulls from them, if I can save any from there, I do, and have, countless cats and kittens. So quarrantine is critical for this reason.

Please don't be afraid of the shelter kitties, you are their only hope...

catwoman707 said:

I couldn't agree with you more!



I haven't looked at the thread, but already know it is literally not possible. An 8 day old kitten survive panleuk? Honestly, there is just no chance, none.

Perhaps it was misdiagnosed, or some other reason, but as fragile as baby's are, no way. It is a vicious, merciless illness.

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I haven't read the rest of the thread, I'll catch up in a bit, but I wanted to address this. You're right, it is a horrible illness! We lost mom and 4 kittens.. I suppose it's possible the kittens had something different than mom. I don't know the back story on mom, but I got the kittens because mom supposedly had pyometra and was having an emergency spay and the infection caused her milk to dry up. At that point one kitten had already died (at 7 days old). I got the remaining 4 at 8 days old. I figured the one who had died did so from hunger/dehydration/starvation. Upon getting them home it was obvious they were dehydrated and all had horrible, explosive, liquid diarrhea and extremely high fevers and were so so so so dehydrated. The highest was over 106! Meanwhile mom had her emergency spay and was not coming out of anesthesia and I had since loaded mine up and gone to the vet (a different vet since by now they were 45 minutes away from where I got them). At that age running blood work is difficult at best so we were really just treating symptoms and waiting to see what was going on with mom. I actually got the call while I was in the exam room with my vet that they were going to euthanize mom because she had been unresponsive for so long and my vet told them to pull blood on her first. They didn't do pre-op blood work on her because she was critical and everything was going to be out of whack anyway and it wouldn't have changed the fact that they felt she needed emergency surgery (it did turn out her uterus was not the source of the infection once they got in, however). While they were running her blood work we were working on my kittens, mainly cool sub-q fluids trying to bring fevers down. By the next morning I lost my first kitten, and that night my second one. A third one was extremely emaciated and lifeless and I thought she was next. All were getting sub-q fluids as fast as I could get in them, tube feeding, the whole nine yards. By the time I was down to just 2 (now 10 days old) I found out mom had the hallmark non existent white blood cells. I'm pretty sure they did the ELISA snap too, but I remember them saying that her WBC wasn't just low, it was non existent. When I took the kittens I took them on the premis that they were pulled due to pyometra, not panluek. I know you run the risk of bringing in communicable diseases when you foster, but there was so much about this case that, looking back, was just not right (like had they have done blood work prior to the emergency spay, etc) and I had 3 of my own cats in the house.

Anyway, eventually their fevers broke but the one little one who was so emaciated never pulled through, she died at around 14 DO (I don't remember exactly). I was so sad because she was the one with the highest fever and I thought once it finally started to go back down that she was out off the woods. Not so.

To this day my vet (who I also worked for, I'm a prevet biology major) has said she's never seen anything like it. In fact we always joke about it when I bring in new kittens and say "well at least it's not panluek!". I feel like after that ordeal I can handle anything. It was seriously the most exhaustive, stressful, horrible foster experience ever, and I swore after that I'd never do again (and haven't with bottle babies until I took in the litter I have now... I'm a sucker, can't stay away). The kittens were never tested, but mom was, so it's highly probable.

I kept the survivor because after all we'd been through I couldn't let him go. He's a year old now and 20 pounds, and I'm insanely attached to that cat, and him to me. He's in my avatar. :love:

As for during the whole ordeal, they were blocked off in a separate part of the house, and when I went in there to care for them I wore a hair net, foot booties, my lab coat (which I eventually threw out, as I could never wear it to work or school after that), and gloves. I obviously kept things as clean as possible, and anything and everything that could be thrown out, I did, and I used as much disposable stuff as possible - puppy pads instead of towels, etc. The room they were in is still closed. No one is allowed in there. Luckily it's an extra bedroom that just holds junk and isn't needed, but yeah, it's still closed. I was really angry that everything that happened with mom led me to taking them in with 3 other cats in the house, but by the time I found out I was committed. I really think had mom not have had the emergency spay and had blood work done first, she would have had a fighting chance. It was pretty much a death sentence for her. I no longer foster for that organization, by the way. Cleanliness being a major factor in the decision.

Anyway, that's my story. As unbelievable as it seems. I wouldn't believe it if I read it on the internet! LOL

Sorry for the late response. I'm at the emergency vet, so the signal isn't great. The worst news – she tested positive for panleuk. I should have expected it even though she tested negative before – I know the virus spreads very quickly and aggressively.

We’ve been at the emergency hospital all night and are still there now. They’re administering IV fluids to her for 3 nights while she’s quarantined. At this point the vets said that she’s beyond the point of severe dehydration but she’s still dehydrated. They’re giving her antibiotics (also using IV) after they think she’s hydrated enough to take them, but they’re very broad-range antibiotics because there’s no specific ones to treat panleuk. She’s not anemic at this point, so no blood transfusions or anything like that. She has a slight fever - her temp.'s about 103 degrees right now. Yesterday night it was 104. They'll keep me updated on her progress and then start with the antibiotics, which I hope help.

When is it time? I don’t want to see her suffering like this for much longer, but the vets said that she’s doing better as far as the dehydration/electrolyte levels are concerned. She’s not fading yet. I know there’s a very, very slim chance of her surviving, but I just want to give it a chance.

@catwoman707 thank you for all your help! Yes, I called the shelter to let them know and they said they’ll take the appropriate measures to disinfect it. They’ve had a couple cases of this before and they said they use trifectant or just throw away the cage. I don’t have any cats and I don’t often get cat visits in my home, but I’m going to make sure to douse everything with trifectant just in case (the clothing part you mentioned gave me the chills! It really is that bad!).

@SuperPooper  Thank you for sharing your incredible story and advice. Your avatar is adorable.

Thank you for all your prayers. We really need them right now.